set in Queensland, Australia, but the producers wanted to import four overseas actors, and Actors Equity objected. De Roche re-wrote the film so it was set in New Zealand. Richard Franklin dropped out of the film because he was unhappy with the change in location, and David Hemmings, who was attached to the film as a producer, was appointed director. Funding was obtained privately. The film was one of the leaders of Soviet film distribution in 1983, when it was seen by 29 million Soviet viewers. Reception Ginnane was so annoyed with Australia's Actors Equity that he made his next four films in New Zealand. References External links Race for the Yankee Zephyr at Oz Movies Race For The Yankee Zephyr on RotaryAction.com 1981 films 1980s action drama films 1980s adventure films 1980s English-language films Films directed by David Hemmings New Zealand drama films Films shot in New Zealand Treasure hunt films Underwater action films Films scored by Brian May (composer) Australian drama films 1981 drama films